Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people; …
Luke 2:10
It’s Christmas time, and the air is filled with excitement; the promise of the holidays, snow covered trees, time with family and friends, turkey dinners, eggnog, cookies, Christmas stockings hanging above the fireplace, yule logs burning brightly and Christmas gifts beginning to collect under the beautiful Christmas tree. Aaaaah, such anticipation!
For some though, Christmas is a time of deep sorrow. Perhaps it is the first Christmas without a loved one, or there’s just no money to do the extra things you’d like to do for the family, or even worse, Christmas may be a time of extreme loneliness because you are all alone.
When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields, he said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people…” and these words gave the shepherds great hope, that the Messiah they had been promised had been born.
This message of hope is just as relevant for all people today. God is with us. Christmas is God’s way of reminding us, not to be afraid, because he sent Jesus into this world to bring us salvation and reconcile us to himself and now we are no longer alone. And if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness (1 John 1:9)."
Whatever your circumstance might be, this Christmas you can cast fear aside and embrace this joyous truth, he came for you. Open your heart to him and let him flood you with his joy and peace. You are not alone; his Presence is with you and with him, you have more than enough to make this Christmas, a meaningful and joy-filled time for you and your family!
May this be a very Merry Christmas for you!
God of all loving kindness, please surround those who are hurting and alone this Christmas with your Presence and your strength. Send your ministering angels to them, so they might testify of your goodness. And then, Lord, fill their hearts with peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.